My dad has many traits that I admire so much and wish I had. As I continue to strive to be at least half of what he is, I am grateful that I have him as my mentor. In spite of all his accomplishments and brilliance, he has remained humble, prayerful, happy to learn from others, young and old. There is so much to learn from my dad through his actions, the way he lives his life, each and every word he says. My dad is a very charming man, witty, intelligent mixed with sincerity and honesty, a combination that is hard hard to find nowadays. I am proud for all that he has done for our country and I am more proud that he is my dad!
Senator Bam Aquino on Paul Aquino
I've always admired my dad's simplicity, no-nonsense attitude and integrity.
Senator Sonny Angara on Ed Angara
His amazing mind — great vision — and he is a very thorough thinker. Also a great manager and organizer. All of which contributed to his many successes as a public servant!
Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez on Manoling Torres Jr. 4th district, Leyte
My dad is the most organized person I know. I never see him frazzled because he always plans and prepares ahead of time. He also has this enviable gift of not worrying or stressing over something needlessly. Not to say nothing ever affects him, but when it is time to sleep he can switch off everything. As a result, he always has a clear mind. I wish I could be that way too, especially when life throws you a curveball.
D. Soraya C. JAAFAR on Tawi-Tawi Rep Nur Jaafar
I believe that my father’s endearing love for us, his children, became the pillar of our strength, devotion, discipline and leadership. My siblings and I grew up with a single parent and all that our dad did is to show how a single being could become a fulcrum of balance. His deep spirituality and serenity is my envy; I never saw my dad perturbed even in the most extraordinary situation in our lives; he has the particular calmness even in most devastating storm that one is faced with decisions have. Through the years whenever opportunity in politics and in private life presents his guiding light has always been his family. Having a great regard for better and lasting relationships, and with this as his ultimate criteria, his judgments and decision has been a symbol of temperance, always in control and self-restrained with the family as a center of his agenda. I have gone through many challenges in my life as well and whenever I come close to the burden of weariness, I always seek out my father’s lingering influence that continues to engrave on my soul for I am certain I will never fall astray. Indeed my father’s traits have been my beacon and a formidable pillar to my own destiny.
Dominique Barretto Cojuangco on Tonyboy Cojuangco
A trait of my dad that I wish to acquire is his ability to be 100 percent passionate about anything and everything he does. He has always made an effort to remind me that I am never truly failing if I am doing whatever I am doing to the best of my ability, that every shortfall is a lesson, and those lessons become reasons for me to persevere to aid me to become what shapes me for my future.
Jillian Robredo on her dad, the late Secretary Jesse Robredo
Papa was a very hardworking, kindhearted, simple and humble public servant. He loved our country and his people so much. But more than that, he was a very devoted husband to Mama and a loving father to us. He was very unselfish of his time and talent and would do everything for us. My sisters and I all believe that if we only had half of Papa’s traits, we will be okay.
Joseph Juico, QC Councilor, on Philip Juico
My father is Mr. Multi Tasker. He is involved in business, sports, writing a column for The STAR, socio-civic works and many more. But even if he is involved in so many things, he still finds time to be with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Patty Laurel-Filart, host, model and lifestyle blogger, on Atty. JJ Laurel
What I love most about my father is his eternal sense of gratefulness. It's his grateful and humble heart that allows him to see the good in the everyday things — whether it's waking up next to the love of his life, receiving good results from a checkup, having plants in the garden to water every morning, or being able to enjoy his favorite hearty breakfast with tuyo at kamatis. I hope I will be able to develop a grateful heart too, just like my dad.
Eliza Drilon-Luna on Senator Franklin Drilon, PR officer, Stores Specialists, Inc.
My dad is known as the "Big Man." This description is accurate both literally and figuratively. His size is a reflection of how much he gives of himself to other people and for us, his family. Papa is one of the most moral men I know, in politics or otherwise. His fear and love of God can be seen by his untarnished record in public service. He leads by example both at home and at work. He teaches us that hard work, honesty and integrity are the most important traits to have and that no amount of money, power or popularity can beat these values. I consciously try to live by his values. It's not easy for anyone but it helps whenever we see our Papa in action.